UFCW 876

It is Our Job to Remind Them

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 11:48:17 -0700

Hello all,

I hope this finds you and your family well in the "new normal." That's an interesting way to put it, isn't it? The term assumes that everyone is now re-entering the working world. The term of course was coined by big business and driven directly into our legislative halls to not only re-open all commerce, but to receive financial support to do so. It is a gross manipulation of an economic opportunity. And one that has unfortunately made its way into the psyche of our communities.

This self-serving messaging has left the grocery worker behind once again leaving them and their unions to fight for available federal funding. UFCW 876 has launched multiple programs since February when word of federal funding surfaced.

On February 26, 876 pushed for federal funding to be allocated through the Michigan's COVID Recovery Plan for the funding of essential worker vaccines. On March 31, 876 pushed for recognition through the American Rescue Plan when millions of dollars became available. On May 22, 876 pushed hard yet again to be recognized through available COVID-19 state funds; and on June 24, efforts were focused on Michigan legislators for the recognition of essential workers through the COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Efforts towards the COVID-19 Relief Fund can be accelerated by constituent influence. That's you! The most compelling arguments for recognition will come from you. I encourage you to visit our website, ufcw876.org, and download the template letter, print and send to your legilstor. Most companies and supporting legislators feel confident they have skirted around the heavy responsibilities of the pandemic; our job is to remind them they have not.

For every COVID-19 Relief Fund letter written and sent by you, I will recognize with a UFCW 876 themed thermal cup. Here's how to get your cup. Go to UFCW876.org and download the letter template, print, fill in the blanks with both your concerns and legislator address,...Read More

876 Shows Up to Every Match

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 12:46:18 -0700

Hello all,

First and foremost, I hope you are well. It has been a very turbulent time and I want you to know that my every day is dominated by thoughts and actions I can take to protect you. As I carefully monitor vaccination availability and eligibility, I continue to push for grocery workers, and all 876 members to be prioritized. This continues to be my goal going into 2021.

Two things go into reaching goals, hard work and who you align yourself with during the process. I tell you this because during this onslaught of pandemic proportions, the 876 staff has worked tirelessly in pushing for member protections. If you follow our medias, and I hope you do, you have witnessed this incredible journey. It has been one, full, calendar year, with 876 in a constant state of making movement and laying the groundwork for the next foreseeable hurdle - which turns out to be vaccinations.

We all know it's not a perfect world and we don't win every fight. But 876 showed up to every match. The progress we did make could only be advanced through the people who have the power to make legislative movement. We can stomp our feet and call out injustice all day long; but without the power of legislation that protects workers, safety and health protocols are not taken seriously. They are expensive to implement and maintain. Enforcement sometimes must be required by law.

That is why the Active Ballot Club (A.B.C.) is an important part of what UFCW does to facilitate real protections for retail grocery, meatpacking and food processing plant members, to name a few. It funds both community and state legislative leaders who are pushing for hazard pay, vaccination access, workplace safety, affordable healthcare, and the repeal of right to work. All of these things require their action, and we need to all support these efforts to make change. Please consider signing up for this important program at bit.ly/Local876ABC.

Efforts to discuss 876 member's...Read More

COVID's Impact & Union Membership

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 11:10:14 -0800

When the words COVID were first spoken and reached every corner of our nation in March, UFCW 876 President Dan Pedersen's first reaction was what will we do to protect and navigate the membership? They will be, after all, in the midst of every possible, public scenario - leaving them vulnerable. Pedersen knew 876 would be doing the heavy lifting, in a way that the labor movement has not seen in many years.

"At the very exact moment I realized this crisis was not projected to be like any other public emergency we had ever seen - my head just reeled," Pedersen said. "I began to play out scenarios in my mind and seek and apply as many tools at my disposal to facilitate and support the best outcomes possible for the members of 876."

On March 10, after three of the four Steward Conferences concluded, the very first advocacy communication was released and immediately it was called out as being too harsh and too scary due to an image of a woman wearing a mask. A mask. Think about that.

The race was on! Unions, workers, community leaders and legislators were all searching their arsenals of programs and policy to deal with what would turn out to be the most deadly pandemic in U.S. history.

"876's journey was nothing we could calculate or even plan for," Pedersen said. "In fact, it was messy, oftentimes last-minute due to the very nature of any crisis, and passionate."

876 fought for basic human rights and worked with legislative and community leaders, health care professionals, industry experts and union colleagues from all over the nation in developing a plan of action to preserve both the physical and economic health of members. 876 pushed for basic protections: mask and glove wear, social distancing, reduced store traffic, sick leave, the list goes on! 876 fought with companies to recognize the reality of danger in working on the frontline and for hero pay with every...Read More

Elections Have Consequences

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 07:28:36 -0800

Elections have consequences.

And as your union president, my priorities are to protect good jobs, affordable benefits, a secure retirement and fair pay in an environment where we are free to negotiate for a better life for UFCW 876 members. 2020 has amplified your contributions and sacrifices as you continue to work through a historically devastating pandemic. You are in essence, feeding our communities, and deserve recognition.

The election process has been unconventional at best, and in true fashion of 2020, it was anything but predictable. Despite concerns over ballot accountability in Michigan and the country, vote processes held up well under the immense pressures of doubt, intimidation and misinformation. Every vote was counted as our Constitutional process outlines. We believe President-elect Biden will provide the necessary shift to regain worker power and balance in our country as we now have a seat at the table.

Complacency has no seat at the table. We are now called to refine and define all that is unjust. Across the country, the labor movement will seize this day to make great strides towards equality. This day is certainly one to celebrate but we must be mindful that the balance of power can shift very quickly producing significant and damaging impacts. We now have a seat at the table.

Read Biden’s letter to the UFCW here.

Reconfigure & Reconstruct - Together

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 13:59:39 -0800

Hello all,

Although COVID has ushered in a great deal of uncertainty, it has also brought with it innovation and opportunity, with most of us permanently altering our everyday processes and lives. If someone had told me in the beginning of 2020, that 876 would completely reconfigure and reconstruct how we advocate for you, I would not have believed it.

The union, like you, has been rolling with the punches, adapting and developing new ways of getting the job done - and doing it well. That is the spirit of 876, solidarity and progress made in adversity. The mutual support between the union and you has been my strength during this pandemic, and I cannot thank each one of you enough for being flexible, patient and kind.

UFCW 876 and its staff has remained on the frontline, just like you. Early on, 876 was able to catapult many worker issues to the forefront; the right to wear a masks and gloves, hero/hazard pay, cashier shields, customer and vendor distancing, workplace sanitizing, reducing store crowding, mandatory mask wear, and COVID leave and pay. But these small victories were completely dependent upon your support - and you did not disappoint! Many of you really stepped up and represented 876, on television, radio and print.

Our everyday lives, often ignored by the public, were suddenly pushed onto center stage and amplified. They quickly made their way into the national conversation and in turn to the people who write, advocate and enact policy. We were given the opportunity to push for legislative policy that supports worker safety and health and COVID was the vehicle. Everyone clearly recognized your importance in the economy, in our community and in supporting the food chain. COVID has given 876 the opportunity to secure the long-term changes you deserve.

Grocery, meat processing, pharmacy and health care worker’s lives are now positioned in Senate and House committees all over our nation, and 876, along with many others,...Read More

Disingenuous at Best

Wed, 20 May 2020 03:11:04 -0700

May 13, 2020

The Kroger Company

For The Kroger Company to say it took aggressive and timely action in protecting our members during this pandemic is disingenuous at best. You also state our members are better served, and would even prefer, the company maximize health and safety precautions in lieu of Hero Pay. You are wrong on both accounts.

Our members are acutely aware the company publicly adapts health and safety policy but fails to fully implement it. The list you provided of action items the company has taken (masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, customer masks and distancing, testing, etc.) is largely either the direct result of: union and public pressure; national and state government orders; or is available to the general public - and not of the company’s goodwill.

It is morally and socially irresponsible for The Kroger Company to decide to choose only one option: a potential safe work environment over Hero Pay. Your decision to budget for only what is required by law, proves the bottom line is more important than people. This sends a strong message to not only your employees but their communities. Especially in light of record sales!

Your offer to maximize an already failed health and safety program is an insult. Our members want and deserve Hero Pay. The Kroger Company needs to step up to protect and provide for those who continue to take significant risks to their health and safety; while making Kroger millions of dollars. I am calling on the company to extend the $2.00/hour wage increase indefinitely until the end of this crisis.

Adhesive Systems, Alexander Hornung, Cattleman’s Meat & Produce, Diversitak, Hollywood Market, Inc., Koegel Meats, Meijer, Oleson’s Food Stores, Pat’s, People’s Food Co-op, Polly’s Country Market and Riverside Market have all stepped up and did the

right thing.

#KrogerDoTheRightThing

Dan Pedersen

UFCW 876 President

The Best Course of Action?

Thu, 07 May 2020 05:07:35 -0700

May 6, 2020

Dear The Kroger Company:

I am very disappointed and shocked The Kroger Company has determined the best course of action in recognizing our member’s immense sacrifices to work through a global pandemic; risk of the health and safety of both themselves and their families; experience mental anguish in serving thousands of potential COVID-19 carriers each day, would be to put an end to Hero Pay.

Many members remain on the frontlines of The Kroger Company because they do not have the means to stay home and stay safe. They arrive for their shifts, mask in hand, hand sanitizer tucked into a ready pocket, hoping today will not be that day. Their once safe job has morphed into a public-facing, essential worker, forcing each with a unnerving and daunting decision: potential bankruptcy or illess/potential death.

The Company’s decision to end Hero Pay based on the premise the Company is seeing a “return to normal” fails to address a very concerning fact. Michigan hosts three of the top 20 counties by number of deaths in the nation - Macomb, Oakland and Wayne. (John Hopkins University & Medicine - Coronavirus Resource Center, 05.05.20 /https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/us-map). The resulting health and safety shifts in public-facing work; specifically for those in Metro Detroit due to these unusually high statistics remains a viable concern.

Statistical projections suggest there will be no immediate or even gradual “return to normal” for our members working in Michigan. Wearing a mask to work is not normal. Ringing up groceries behind plexiglass is not normal. Wiping down touch points and high-touch areas with bleach is not normal. Using hand sanitizer constantly is not normal. Returning to your family after your shift in fear is not normal. Wondering if you will survive a potentially deadly virus is not normal.

We fully understand the pressure this unprecedented event has presented. However, I also fully understand it is...Read More

Hero Pay Secured for Many, Efforts Continue

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 04:40:02 -0700

For nearly 17,500 UFCW 876 members across the state, acknowledgement of worker risk and sacrifice has been recognized through various company compensatory programs, like Hero Pay; and have been enacted due to the perseverance and tenacity of both member and union. Together, we have fought to what is right - and won!

In a time of crisis, the best plan of action is a coordinated one; with the end goal being - protect our members and their communities. That being said, appreciation goes out to those companies who stepped up: Rite Aid Pharmacy, Diversitak, Inc, Diversified Chemical, Adhesive Systems, Oleson’s Food, Riverside Market, Alexander Hornung, Polly’s Country Market, Cattleman’s Meat; Kroger, People’s Food Co-op and Hollywood Markets.

However, there are several additional employers 876 is now focusing on, and we will need everyone’s engagement and action to push these conversations forward to employers who lag behind in doing the right thing. Please like our Facebook page to become a part of this important advocacy group. That’s is how solidarity works - a win for one is a win for all.

Remaining Diligent in Enforcing COVID-19 Company Policy & Protocol

As many 876 members continue to work on the front lines, we continue to work beside you and on the backend pushing for implementation of health and safety protocols and adherence. We have been successful in securing $2 Hero Pay; mask and glove wear; cashier shields; social distancing and work area sanitizing. Our next goal is to reduce store crowding Join our effort by liking our Facebook. Let’ make change together!

They Say 2020 Is Everything

Fri, 03 Jan 2020 11:03:58 -0800

They say 20/20 is everything. I think that is pretty accurate.

We have all had those thoughts of remorseful insight, had we only known what we know now. And although that feels applicable to our 2020 calendar (the one I set up way in advance, using all sorts of stats and experiences from the 2019 calendar) it makes me feel well-prepared for these scheduled events, contract expirations and training programs. But you can just never tell what is on the horizon.

What makes the unpredictably of any well-laid out plan more reasonable, is you. Union members familiar with processes and people. Union members who are engaged, participating and communicating with 876. Your insight and honesty serve as the most valuable tool I could possibly have in making more informed decisions. And it helps me make bigger strides in securing the best work life for each and everyone of you.

While preparing for the 2019 Steward training, I thought about the most significant shifts that preserved contractual protections. There were several instances where managerial action posed a real threat to the schedules and benefits of 876 members; and not just for one member but many. In each situation, it was a union Steward who alerted me or a membership representative to the pending danger. And, in each situation, we were able to make corrections and save members money by simply understanding and adhering (that's the tough part!) to the contract.

It certainly speaks to the importance of Steward training, but does not reduce the importance of being an informed advocate and a member. The responsibility of protecting our contracts and the people who need them falls directly on the shoulders of us all.

Membership advocacy like this provides the 20/20 vision 876 needs to survive the onslaught of company attempts at takeaways, reductions and even thoughtless greed.

So if 20/20 is everything, it will be this year; as we take on a whole new schedule of contracts and...Read More

Everyone Counts; Everyone Matters

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 04:34:42 -0700

As we "go to press" we are making the final arrangements for the biggest union event of the year, The 25 Year Member Celebration happening at the Motor City Sound Board on November 2 and Soaring Eagle Casino on November 8. We fully expect a full house at each event. The R.S.V.P.'s arrived almost immediately from mailing the invitations! There is still time to get in on the fun. We hope to hear from you soon.

It's been super busy. Contractually, we have made big strides for thousands of 876 members across the state with guaranteed wage increases, bonuses, job protections, secured health care benefits and pensions. Did you know in this year alone, 18 contracts have been negotiated and ratified, guaranteeing solid protections for nearly 15,000 members and their families? That is an immense amount of guarantees that make life more predictable for families.

876 devoted a lot of time and energy to the Kroger Metro grocery and meat members this year. And with good reason, their favorable contract win in many ways (not all) develops a standard for upcoming 876 contracts and yes, even Kroger contracts in other states.

Don't get me wrong, the members working at Smith Meat Packing, Amcane Sugar, Medstar, Antolin, Promedica, Operating Engineers, Darling Ingredients, Riverside Market, Dearborn Sausage, Turri's Italian Foods, Adhesive Systems and Sheet Metal Workers held equal significance in 2019.

But we could not have done it without you. Member awareness and participation is key for my staff and myself when at the bargaining table. The collective strength you provide lets employers know that not only are you paying attention; but that you know what is fair because you have done your homework. That's important! And this past contract ratification calendar is proof of that.

The 2020 contract schedule is looking to be just as busy, with over 10 contracts up for renewal. So, if you are one of these members, stay...Read More